But in his unprecedented rebuke Tuesday of Sterling, Silver made clear that he — along with several players, coaches, owners, fans, public officials and activists — wants a new owner for the Clippers.

"I will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens," Silver said, far more confident and resolute than he was Saturday when news broke of Sterling's racially insensitive comments.

Silver is relying on the NBA's Constitution and By-Laws, which say the interest of an owner "may be terminated by a vote of three-fourths of the Board of Governors."

Silver's predecessor, David Stern, never spoke on a voting issue unless he knew how it would go, and Silver is the same way. Silver said he didn't poll owners, but at least 20 made publc statements in support of the move. He said he spoke with several and said, "I have their full support."

There is no specific language in the constitution or bylaws that address Sterling's offenses, but the commissioner is charged with "protecting the integrity of the game of professional basketball and preserving public confidence in the League" and is given authority to penalize "in the best interest of the Association."

"Let's just leave it that we have the authority to act as I've recommended," Silver said.

There is no timeline to take a vote, and while Silver and the players' union said they want that vote to happen as soon as possible, procedures must be followed.

Silver has three days to provide Sterling a written copy of the charges, and Sterling has five days to answer. A special hearing of the Board of Governors then will be held on a date no more than 10 days after Sterling's reply.

VIDEO: Silver explains his dramatic verdict

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Clippers owner Donald Sterling's punishment, which included banning him for life from the NBA and a $2.5 million fine.

If Sterling doesn't reply in five days or fails to appear at the hearing, the league's constitution deems that an admission of the charges. Sterling can be represented by counsel at the hearing, but it's not a court of law. "Strict rules of evidence shall not apply," it says in the NBA's constitution.

Silver was to the point.

"When the board ultimately considers his overall fitness to be an owner in the NBA, they will take into account a lifetime of behavior," he said.

After hearing the evidence, the board will vote, and based on Silver's comments and statements from league owners, the owners plan to remove Sterling. If that happens, the league will assume control of the team and look for a buyer.

Asked if he expects Sterling to fight, Silver said, "I have no idea."

Sterling, a lawyer and real estate tycoon, is not afraid of the court room. Though he's no longer allowed in NBA facilities and cannot make decisions for the team for the rest of his life, he could launch a legal battle. Remember, this is the owner who moved the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles without the league's consent.

But Silver also made it clear he is ready to fight for players and the league — however long that takes to sell the Clippers.